One big thing
LA Knight, WWE’s current United States Champion, recently revealed his most embarrassing moment in wrestling: a botched entrance at TNA Slammiversary 2016 that he cleverly turned into a planned spot.
The details
• During his entrance against Bram, Knight accidentally backflipped over the rope while performing his signature move on the turnbuckle.
• Knight quickly improvised, repeating the backflip intentionally later in the match to make it seem planned.
• He shared this story during a recent appearance on the Gorilla Position podcast.
What they’re saying
Knight recounted: “I pop up, up on the front buckle to do this thing [raising his arms]. And as I do that, I backflip over the rope and land on my feet. Completely by accident.”
Why it matters
This incident showcases the quick thinking and adaptability required in professional wrestling. It also humanizes Knight, demonstrating that even top performers have embarrassing moments in their careers.
The big picture
• Knight has since risen to prominence in WWE, recently winning the United States Championship at SummerSlam 2024.
• He successfully defended his title against Santos Escobar on the August 23 edition of SmackDown.
• Knight has issued an open challenge for his title at the upcoming Bash in Berlin event.
The bottom line
LA Knight’s ability to turn a potential embarrassment into a memorable spot demonstrates the skills that have contributed to his current success in WWE.
What do you think about LA Knight’s quick thinking in turning his botched entrance into a planned spot? Leave a comment below with your thoughts on how wrestlers handle unexpected moments in live performances.